PHE wrote to local authorities in the South West, stating they had received an "increased number of calls from schools reporting outbreaks of respiratory/flu-like illness" and offering advice for parents about how good hygiene practices can help protect children from the virus.

Dr Richard Pebody, head of flu surveillance at Public Health England told The Huffington Post UK:

“Our figures indicate flu continues to circulate in the community, with increases seen for several indicators in particular influenza confirmed hospitalisations amongst younger adults.

“Virus surveillance from the UK and elsewhere in Europe shows the strain A(H1N1)pdm09 [swine flu] is now the main seasonal flu virus and is currently well-matched to the vaccine strain at this stage. We will continue to closely monitor the epidemiological and virological situation as the flu season continues.